Saina Nehwal kicks off Rio campaign with strong win

Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal beat Brazil's Vicente Lohaynny in straight games to kick off her Rio Olympics campaign on a high.

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IANS

August 11, 2016

UPDATED: August 11, 2016 23:03 IST

HIGHLIGHTS

Saina looked a bit jittery in her first round match

She defeated local hope Lohaynny in straight games

She will be playing her next match on Sunday against Maria Ulitina of Ukraine.

Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal beat local hope Vicente Lohaynny 21-17, 21-17 in her opening Group C match in the women singles event here on Thursday.

Saina got a tough competition from the Brazilian shuttler. Lohaynny being 5-9 down, fought back levelling the game at 10-10. saina just edged past the mid-game interval with a one point lead. (India @ Rio, Day 6 - Live Updates)

In the early minutes of the second game, Saina started to build her dominance in the court taking a 11-5 lead to the mid-game interval.

In the later half of the second game, the Brazlian tried to fight back, but Saina continued to dominate and taking three points on the trot, securing herself with seven match points before she took the second game 21-17 in 19 minutes.

Saina will be playing her next match on Sunday against Maria Ulitina of Ukraine.

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